DOWN TIME/ STAYING MOTIVATED

Seeing as I always talk about how busy and stressed I am, I thought it might be a good idea to 

say how I actually try to get rid of all that stress and just calmmmm myself...or at least try to. Its not to say  these things work every time, sometimes you just need to switch off and thats okay, but its certainly a good place to start! 

To avoid stress in the first place I try to be as organised as possible, I have a weekly planner where I write down all my key tasks per day, whether its uni stuff, work, appointments or even things like cleaning out my closet its all there listed and I can work through it day by day. Then on the actual day (I do this mostly on the busier days) I write out every task I need to do that day and the steps to complete it. This form of small goal setting is also a way of motivating me to actually get the job done. 

Ticking everything off is probably the most rewarding part of it all!

I'm definitely a strong believer in rewarding yourself especially between tasks if you've been focusing for a long time you need to take some time to just breathe, have a snack, a cup of tea - I'm probably a 2- 3 a day on those! I often take the time to catch up on a cheeky youtube video or a 30 min episode on Netflix, the trick is NOT TO GET SUCKED IN!! If I have anything to blog about I might also draft that up, it just depends on what I fancy at the time. If you can't hack 30 mins of screen time going for walks or reading is also a good idea and if you're in to maybe do some yoga! 

In terms of long term motivation, I think having events or holidays booked is something that really keeps me going. It doesn't have to be crazy. Its amazing what a dinner or drinks added to your diary does when you're constantly in and out of the library/office. 

When I'm reallllly really in relaxation mode - I'm talking end of day, tasks done, bra off moments- I light a few candles and just do whatever I feel is right at the time...it may or may not involve a glass of wine but who am I to say?! ahaha But honestly theres just something about a candlelit room (especially with fragrant candles) or you can get those relaxation ones which are supposed to calm you down. 

Of course spending time with my family and 

friends whenever possible is one of my absolute favourite things to do. 

Its all about getting that balance right, which of course is easier said than done. These are just a couple of my tips so if you have other things that help you, feel free to share and I'm sure we all need the extra help!  

OOTD NEW YEARS EVE

Hitting the sales just one day before hosting a NYE party was probably the best decision I had made seeing as I had zero outfits planned. 

River Island came through with this top for ONLY TEN POUNDS DOWN FROM FOURTY FIVE!!! Were the fashion Gods throwing blessings or....? Thank you.

I recycled these velvet trousers which I've had for about three years and don't get to wear often (pretty sure the last time I wore them was NYE 2016!...or moms birthday 2016?) Either way, a long time ago so I was very happy to bring them out again! 

The top was surprisingly comfy too, I had prepared to be faffing with it every second but turns out I only had to faff every few mins to ensure no slip ups occurred. TBH had I got a size down (unfortunately out of stock) I think I would've had no trouble at all!  But still, I felt good, enjoyed the night and thats all that matters right?

Happy 2018 my beauties, may this year be blessings upon blessings for us all! 

NEW YEAR, NEW ME?

Can you believe it's aaalllmost 2018?!? Just one more day and we'll be starting a whole new year with fresh opportunities and what some may see as a fresh start. 

I always take the last few days of the year to reflect on the ending year and think about what I want to come out of the new year ahead. Making 'resolutions ' in the traditional sense isn't really my thing because honestly, I know I'll only stick to it for the first week or two if that! 

However, I do know that I what I want to come out of every year is for me and my loved ones to be happy and healthy. As cheesy as it sounds, its the truth.  

For 2018 in particular, I hope to have the motivation and determination I need to finish my degree and get a job that I will love. I hope to also bring one of my major projects and possible future business to life. This is the year of career building.

"New year, new me?" Hell ono, New year ,same old me but MOTIVATED I say!  I've been lacking that these past few months but its time to shake off the feeling and get busy with it!

For people who do make resolutions here are a few tips to ensure you stick with them whether it be following a diet, exercising or anything else:
1. Be Realistic
2. WRITE THEM DOWN
3. Review them often to ensure you're staying on target
4. Make milestones to achieve the wider goal
5. ACHIEVE THEM!

2017 has had its major ups and downs which I'm sure everyone else feels too, so with that, I wish you all more ups in 2018 and to always remember to keep persevering and achieving your dreams.  

Happy New Year lovelies! 
(Here are a couple pics from my recent trip to Holland, whole look from pull and bear)